Krabi Krabong is a Thai weapon-based martial art closely related to Burmese Banshay and Malay Silat. It was seen in the James Bond movie, "The Man with the Golden Gun" when an unconscious Bond is left at Hai Fat's dojo. In the scene, 007 watches two fighters fight against each other using the styles, complete with the two swords.
The
weapons techniques include training in
these weapons:
กระบี่
Krabi, single-edge sword
กระบอง
Krabong, staff
โล่ Loh,
buckler
พลอง
Plong, stick
ง้าว
Ngao, halberd
ดาบสองมือ
Daab Song Mue, two swords, one in
each hand
ไม้ศอก
Mai Sawk, or Mai Sun Sawk, a pair
of clubs which are worn on the
forearms.
Aside from weapons, Krabi Krabong incorporates unarmed techniques as well. The empty-handed form is kick-based but also uses pressure points, locks, holds, and throws.
The origins of Krabi Krabong are closely connected to martial arts from several other countries. As with similar styles like Silat and Banshay, the influence of Chinese and Indian styles on Krabi Krabong can be readily seen.
For example, in the key technique of spinning the weapon in one hand while walking in a circular pattern is also a fundamental move in kalarippayattu.
Because this history of weapons use in Thailand dates far back, much of the information on Siam's past is lost. This is largely due to Ayutthaya's conquer by Myanmar in the 15th century when many irreplaceable archives and records were destroyed.
Archaeological findings as well as ancient folklore show the multitude of Siamese weapons, many of which are no longer used in Thai martial arts today. Among these are the daab (double-edge sword), keris (dagger), hāwk (spear) and the trisuun (trident). Influence from Cambodia or Myanmar may have come in during this time.
In the early 1600s a large community of Japanese people settled to various parts of Indochina, and Siam in particular. Among these were about 800 ronin who were on the losing side of Japan's civil war. This had a strong influence on many Southeast Asian martial arts. Krabi Krabong bears many similarities to Japanese styles such as bōjutsu which can be seen in the stances and judo-like throws.
The foremost school of Krabi Krabong today is the Buddhai Swan Sword Fighting Institute,[citation needed] in Thailand, which was led by the Grand Master Ajarn Sumai until his death in 1998. Khru Ajarn Pramote Mesamana studied Krabi Krabong from the age of 6 from his father Semai Mesamana. This tradition of teaching father to son has a long history line of Noble warriors going back to the time Ayutthaya.
Today at 68 he runs the Buddhai Sawan Krabi Krabong in Lad Prao. The Royal family of Thailand has given him permission to teach the Thai Army and to promote Krabi Krabong. His U.K representative is Paul Whitrod.
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Wikipedia article "Krabi Krabong".
